Voluntary redundancy: a step-by-step guide

Redundancies may be a necessary step to manage your staffing budget or structure. Understand the legal framework around offering and accepting voluntary redundancy, and see our step-by-step guide on how to carry out the process.

Last reviewed on 11 January 2024
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Contents
  1. What's voluntary redundancy?
  2. The process for offering voluntary redundancy
  3. Rules for selection criteria
  4. Example scenarios: is it allowed?

It's a challenging time for many schools and trusts. You may find yourself having to look at your staffing budget or structure, with voluntary redundancy an option you need to consider. Voluntary redundancy is a sensitive process, but it can allow you to give your staff greater choice over their future.

It's also a good way to show that you've considered all the options if you later decide you need to make compulsory redundancies. 

This article was written with support from Forbes Solicitors.

What's voluntary redundancy?

Voluntary redundancy is when an employee voluntarily chooses to accept a redundancy package and leave their employment. This can happen:

  • By your school or trust asking for volunteers for redundancy
  • By individual staff members offering to be made redundant

The process for offering voluntary redundancy

You can use voluntary redundancy to avoid compulsory redundancy or the need to